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Kaymer eyes end to winless run in Austria

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Former world No.1 Martin Kaymer is in line to win his first title for seven years.
Camera IconFormer world No.1 Martin Kaymer is in line to win his first title for seven years. Credit: EPA

Two-time major winner Martin Kaymer has moved into a share of the lead heading into the final round of the Austrian Open and has a great chance of ending his long run without a title.

The world No.99 was on top of the global rankings this time 10 years ago but he hasn't tasted victory since winning his second major championship at the US Open in 2014.

Kaymer insisted coming into the week in Atzenbrugg that he felt his game was in the right place to win on the European Tour.

After ending days one and two in second, he fired a 69 on day three on Saturday to share the summit on nine-under with Spaniard Alejandro Canizares.

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The German also said in the run-up to this event that he was aiming for a place in Padraig Harrington's European Ryder Cup team and, while he does not think a win on Sunday would hugely aid that cause, he was delighted to be in contention.

"It doesn't really matter what happens tomorrow, if you win or not it's nice to be in that position, to have an opportunity to win a golf tournament," he told europeantour.com.

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"Last year I had a couple of chances which I didn't use. More often as you get into that position I think you get more comfortable and then it's just a matter of time.

"It's only April, there are so many tournaments to play, big events coming up so I don't think it will make a huge difference (whether) whoever wins it tomorrow will make the Ryder Cup team.

"It's just nice for your confidence, for your belief that you can win again. For me that has been a while."

Kaymer made five birdies and two bogeys in his round, the highlight being a very long putt on the 16th to bounce back after a disappointing three-putt on the previous hole.

Overnight leader Canizares had led by three after making four birdies in a row from the third but he would pick up only two more shots - along with two double-bogeys - to sign for a 70.

Australia's Austin Bautista is not without a chance on four-under in joint-ninth place, five shots behind Kaymer, following his third-round of 71, which featured a mixed bag of six birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey.

Maverick Antcliff is one-over for the tournament after a 71 while Deyen Lawson shot the same score for a two-over total.

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